Of Night and Dark Obscurity
Page 85
“Neither. They both adore Rowland. But I guess it stands to reason as he’s the heir.”
The gas lights burned low and the music drifted into the room from somewhere. Caroline took a long sip of her champagne and looked at Val. “If I had to choose between, Charles Lyttleton, Rowland Pierce, Peter Davies and yourself, I would choose you.”
His eyes seemed dark in the low light. “And why is that?”
“Because you are the most intelligent of all of them.” She reasoned.
“Am I,” he asked slowly.
“And,” she took another long sip of the glass and emptied it, “the most handsomer.”
“The handsomest,” he corrected her even as he felt his heart skip a beat.
“Handsomer,” she said and giggled.
“How many glasses of champagne have you had, Miss Derry.”
“One, maybe two.” She looked at the empty glass.
“Maybe three or four,” he challenged.
She shrugged and smiled. “It’s my night. Things are going well. We have a second house in the works. I’m celebrating.”
“Let me take you home.”
“I couldn’t. Not unchaperoned.” She seemed shocked.
“I’ll tell your father. He’ll agree and you’ll be safe with me.”
She shook her head. “I doubt it and I absolutely refuse.”
“Get your wrap,” he ordered as he went to seek her father’s approval.
Chapter 16
Inside the carriage headed back to Mayfair, Caroline was sulking.
“That was very rude. Taking me away from my guests,” she said pouting.
Val tried to steer his thoughts away from her pouty mouth and what he ached to do. “Actually, they were not your guests. They were Lady Lyttleton’s guests.”
“They were there to acknowledge my good works,” she returned.
“Yes, they were,” he said.
“Tell me Inspector. Do you normally become so close to the families of your victims?”
“No. Never.”
“Then I’m special,” she said with glee.
“You are.”
“How special?” She asked.
“Very special.” He regretted offering to take her home. This carriage would last an eternity.
As the carriage swayed, she suddenly moved to sit beside him. “I know you have been helping us. Trying to find who the killer is.”